Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-08-04
TO-DAY.s TELEGH,ApnznC NEWS
The State Democratic Convel


Especial dispatch to tho Alexandria GAZETTE
ROANOKE, Aug 4, 1SS7.-The democratic
State convention met here to day at the
Opera House which was crowded with dee
gates and spectators.
Hon. John S. Barbour delivered an ad
dress which was applauded throughout. He
said he wanted to meet the people face to
face and see if they meant business. He
asked for nothing and offered his personal
services in whatsoever capacity they were
needed for the good OF the State alone. He
approved of the administration OF Cleveland
on the whole, but dssented from mis- early
policy and he also endorsed the administrs-
ton of Gov. Lee, and regretted the State
debt could not have been considered from
business standpoint instead of being made
party matter. He said the Riddleberger
settlement had been agreed upon by both
parties and he did not think either party
could go back on their plighted faith. He
did not think the State could assume Il
greater indebtedness than the amount
named in that bill. He also said the
opinion was entertained that Virginia had
claim against the general government
which matter should be considered by the
people of the State. He thought the action
of the Legislature in rejecting the demands
of the English bondholders should be up
held, and urged the people to pay taxes in
money which would prevent the State from
coming before the U. S. courts.
| S. G. Moflett was chosen temporary chair
man, and J. Bell Bigger, secretary.
The several Congressional districts were
then called. and members named for the
committees on credentials, permanent organ.
ization and resolutions. The Eighth dis.
trict named ]. d. Pendleton, G. S. P. Trip
lett and G. o. Monroe, on credentials; W.
w. Scott, j. T. Ryan and w. G. Bib, on
organization, and r. T. Scott, c. E. Stuart
and E. E. Meredith, on resolutions. The
convention then recessed to let the commit
tees meet and organize.
1t is believed that the platform will re-
commend adherence to the Lynchburg plat
/
debit will endorse Clevelands administra
ton; straddle the tariff question; recon.
mend the abolition Of the tax on tobacco,
and reduction of tax on liquor.
The impression is that if tho Rddleberger
bill is not adhered to the party will split
on the different plans of settlement.
Mr.. J. B. Smoot wa chosen chairman OF
the Eighth district delegation, and Messrs.
Heaton, of Loudoun; Meredith, of Prince
William; Shackelford, of Orange; Marbury,
of Alexandria, and Lee, of Fairfax, re-
elected members of the State Central Com
mittee from that district.
| Mr. Barbour will be unanimously re-
elected chairman Of the State Committee.
HIS.
by Associated Press.
ROANOKE. Va Aug. 1.-The democratic
State convention assembled at y o'clock
Hon. John S. Barbour, chairman of the
State executive committee, called the con
vention to ORDER After loud calls Mr.. Bar
bour arose and addressed the convention.
He said the calling of q democratic conven
ton was always in order in The State, but
there was great opposition to this. But it
was too obvious that a convention was ne
cessary on account of the momentous ques
lions involved He said the question before
the people of Virginia was the division on
the debt question that presented itself. He
said the difference of opinion could be better
determined in the party, and counseled har
mony and dispassionate discussion of all
issues involved Far bottor now, than
to have the spectacle offs candidate in one
part of the State running on one set Of opin-
ions and another candidate in the field hold.
ing different views, both claiming to
belong to the democratic party. If
differences existed they were too radical
to be reconciled and a house divided |
against itself we are told cannot stand
There was another reason 10 Influence the
decision of the convention. Heretofore or
ganization was effected by special cam
paigns. There was no convention last year
and so, 600 democrats remained at home or
declined TO vote at the November cleo.
ton. He, for one. as chairman Of the
democratic committee was not willing
to take the responsibility under the
circumstances of conducting cam
paign of so much Importance without a
convention. He eulogizsd President Cleve
land, and said he was tho best President we
have had for quarter of a century. He
said the delegates present were fresh from
the people, and no doubt reflected the senti-
ment of the people. Far better would it be
that any differences of opinion be discovered
now, rather than after.
McGariGlc.
CHICAGO, Aug. 4-sherif Matson and
Bonfeld received some pleasing
intelligence BY dispatches from Canada last